THE 2004 WEDDING CRUISE
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 26

TWO WEDDING RECEPTIONS IN ONE DAY

Marla and I had two Wedding Receptions aboard the Rhapsody on the same day.  The First Reception was attended by the 30 guests kind enough to witness our early afternoon wedding ceremony.  Why just 30 people?  Just our luck, another couple had booked the larger wedding venue first.  The rules dictated our smaller venue was limited to 30.  Considering all the things that went wrong, maybe it was for the best.

Unfortunately, due to all the delays, our afternoon wedding reception was reduced from two hours to one hour.  After a buffet brunch, copious amounts of champagne, and many warm toasts, we had barely enough time left for our Wedding Dance. 

Marla and I danced a Waltz to "A Time for Us", a beautiful tune from Romeo and Juliet. 

THE 2004 WEDDING CRUISE
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 26

THE SECOND RECEPTION

Our 2004 September Cruise trip had originally been advertised at the studio as the annual 'SSQQ Dance Cruise'.  When Marla and I decided to get married aboard the Rhapsody, we changed our tune slightly.  "Oh, by the way, this trip will also be our honeymoon." 

This was still a Dance Cruise for the 125 guests who signed up.  In fact, the only thing that changed was the title of our 'Welcome Aboard Cocktail Party'.  The new name was 'Rick and Marla's Wedding Reception'.  Our guests still got their complimentary cocktails, they still had the Shall We Dance Lounge all to themselves for dancing.  So how could they tell the difference?  For one thing, Marla and I showed up in our wedding clothes.  In addition, we held the traditional wedding rituals.  Marla threw her bouquet to the single ladies and I threw her garter to the single men.  More about that in the next chapter.

The only difference was that we were asked to dance by quite a few of our guests.  Odd as it seems, I wondered if I was allowed to 'wedding dance' twice.  So I asked Marla.  Marla said that was a new one for her too.  Thinking and hard, finally Marla said she could not think of any reason why not.  I was glad she said that.  I had never been much of a show-off in my dance career.  I preferred to stick to teaching.  However, due to all this support, I was flattered to be asked to perform.  So out on the floor we went for our second Wedding Waltz of the day.  To my great satisfaction, this time I did not make a mistake.  And Marla, of course, was flawless.  Marla and I were given so much affection after our performance, we were very proud of ourselves for agreeing to do this.

THE 2004 WEDDING CRUISE
MONDAY MORNING, SEPTEMBER 27

THE FOXTROT DANCE LESSON

There was a third Reception scheduled for the second night of the trip.  Known as the 'Captain's Reception', this event was held for guests who had previously sailed on the Rhapsody.  Marla and I were excited because the Captain's Reception had played a major role during our previous trips.  In 2001, I asked Marla to slow dance.  This was a special moment because it rekindled the magic from the previous night when we began to fall in love.

During our Captain's Reception the following year, I was pleased to see how well my Foxtrot lesson earlier in the day paid off for our guests.  During the event, the SSQQ dancers had been the only people on the floor who knew how to Foxtrot.  I marveled at how easily they captured the attention of the non-dancing spectators at the Reception.  This had been a special moment because it served as a moment of validation for my love of teaching dance.

Now Marla and I were back for a new Captain's Reception.  Forewarned is Forearmed.  Knowing that classy Big Band music had been the theme of our past Receptions, I anticipated at least two songs would be played tonight that would call for 'Foxtrot'.  Based on previous experience, I knew my knuckle-headed men would protest learning anything that smacked of 'Ballroom Dancing'.  Fortunately, some of the men present today had been among our guests for the 2002 Captain's Reception when my Foxtrot lesson had paid off so handsomely.  For that reason, I expected them to back me up when I told the men on this year's trip that Foxtrot would come in handy tonight.  Indeed, their testimonials helped.  However, there was still doubt. 

This time it was Marla who held sway.  She had seen this same reluctance before and knew exactly what to do.  Addressing the ladies, Marla said, "Hey ladies, wouldn't it be nice to dance to a pretty song in the arms of a confident man who is dedicated to making you look good?"

Of course the ladies agreed wholeheartedly.  Then Marla turned to the men.  "And wouldn't it be great if you guys actually knew what you were doing?"

To loud cheers from the girls, the men sheepishly nodded.  This was Marla speaking, the woman who had organized this awesome cruise.  This was Marla speaking, the woman who had danced a beautiful Waltz at the Welcome Aboard party held last night to celebrate our wedding. 

I smiled quietly to myself.  Marla had come a long way.  Three years ago Marla had been shunned during the 2001 cruise where we met.  Marla had joined the trip as a complete unknown.  Unaware that she and I had been conducting a serious 'out of sight' romance on board the ship, the guests had been stunned when I brought her to a dance party unannounced.  Suspicion abounded.  Where did this woman come from?  Marla had been very upset by the frosty reception.  However, Marla got over it when I explained these people had been caught off guard.  Given time to adjust, the same people had extended a warm welcome the following day at our morning Salsa workshop. 

That was 2001.  This was 2004.  I was impressed at how Marla had grown into her leadership role.  Like me, Marla had grown up shy.  It was not easy at first, but over the past three years Marla had gained confidence and become more outgoing at the studio.  As Marla addressed our class, I noticed the transformation was complete.  Marla had the respect of every person in this room.  Due to her compelling authority, each man meekly submitted to her will and agreed to take this Foxtrot lesson seriously.  I was glad the men trusted her.  Later tonight at the Captain's Reception, they would thank us.

Sure enough, as promised, that night the ship's orchestra played two classic Foxtrot songs.  Night and Day was a popular song written by Cole Porter for the 1932 musical Gay Divorce.  The Way You Look Tonight was from the Fred Astaire film Swing Time.  Composed by Jerome Kern with lyrics by Dorothy Fields, it won the Academy Award for Best Original Song in 1936.  These famous songs captured the mood of the Thirties Big Band Era to perfection.  Inspired by the music, our men performed magnificently.  Dancing the Foxtrot with style and grace to the oohs and aahs of the audience, the men made our beautifully-dressed ladies look elegant.   

THE 2004 WEDDING CRUISE
MONDAY EVENING, SEPTEMBER 27

MARLA PUTS ON A SHOW AT THE RECEPTION

Amazing what a good night's sleep will do for a girl.  Or maybe it was the joy of Marla's first full day of marriage.  More than likely, the real reason for Marla's good mood was surviving the exhaustion from yesterday's wedding ordeal.  Whatever the explanation, Marla put on quite a show with her dancing at the Captain's Reception.  Move over, Scarlett O'Hara.  Marla was the undisputed star of the night, the proverbial Texas Belle of the Ball.    

I wish I could say I was solely responsible.  Not so.  Although I did my part when we danced, I regret to say I had to get in line like everyone else.  When you're hot, you're hot.  Let me tell you, Marla was hot.  She was in demand all night long.  It did not matter who Marla danced with, she looked fabulous with every man who took her out on the dance floor. 

Marla had always dreamed of being a dancer.  Unfortunately, the farthest she got were jazz lessons at her high school.  Marla will tell you her parents loved her dearly.  However money was an issue, so serious dance lessons were a luxury they could not afford.  Like her three brothers, Marla had to pay her own way to college.  Each sibling was very talented.  Sheldon created a chemical company and became a millionaire.  Neil was a genius who served in the Navy.  In addition to testing the effectiveness of the first U.S. nuclear submarines, Neil orchestrated the AWACs airplanes whose surveillance helped win the first Gulf War.  Larry was a fabulous musician.  Unfortunately his parents bullied him into pursuing a more practical direction, so Larry became manager of his brother's chemical plant.  Marla's brothers were expected from birth to attend college.  However, Marla's parents turned a blind eye towards her college ambitions.  One reason for the apathy was that Marla's father had fallen on hard times.  Since his sporting goods store was not terribly prosperous, money was very tight when Marla was in high school.  Tired of having no money to spend, at age 17 Marla got a job in a department store after school.  Receiving no encouragement to go to college, Marla took matters into her own hands.  She applied on her own, then paid her own way by working virtually full time for five years. 

Following college, Marla enjoyed her career immensely.  She was in charge of designing clothes for a sporting goods line.  The best thing that came out of Marla's first marriage was Marissa.  Unfortunately, Marissa's father abandoned her after the divorce, refusing to pay the court-ordered child support.  In her father's absence, Marla and Marissa were forced to face the world alone together.  Thank goodness Marla was equal to the task.

Shortly after Marla's divorce, Oshman's sporting goods store closed its California office.  Recognizing Marla's talent, they asked her to transfer to Houston.  It took a while to adjust to the harsh climate, but Marla thrived in her career.  Marla brought a beautiful home and did a wonderful job raising her lovely daughter completely on her own. 

Still very much aware of the pain she had felt when her parents ignored her desire to attend college, Marla was determined to make sure Marissa did not suffer a similar fate.  Imagine Marla's pride when Marissa graduated summa cum laude from Texas State University.  As I liked to tease them, the apple did not fall far from the tree.

Marla was a blessing at the dance studio.  I quickly learned to rely on her business experience to help run the program.  I had never seen a woman with more ability.  Stamina too.  Marla did the job of three people.  In addition to her daytime job as a sales representative and her part-time role as a travel advisor, Marla did payroll and registration at the studio.  Marla even found time to finally pursue her interest in dancing.  In addition to becoming an exquisite dance partner, Marla taught Ballroom and Swing classes. 

A lot had happened over the past three years.  As I watched Marla steal the show here at the Captain's Reception, I could not help but think how fortunate I was to have such a remarkable wife.

THE 2004 WEDDING CRUISE
MONDAY EVENING, SEPTEMBER 27

A FUNNY THING HAPPENED
AT THE CAPTAIN'S RECEPTION
 

It goes without saying that our 125 Wedding Cruise friends dominated the dance floor during the Captain's Reception.  In addition to their new-found Foxtrot skills, they had vast experience dancing Swing to Country-Western and Rock and Roll music.  Here at the Reception, their skill was easily transferred to Big Band Swing music.  It was interesting to watch as 200 non-dancers gazed in astonishment at the spectacle of seeing so many talented Swing dancers at once.  Quite frankly, most people assumed we were part of some sort of ship-organized show.  Neither the audience nor the crew had any idea we were from a Houston-based dance studio. 

The secret identity of our group was inadvertently responsible for a funny story.  Towards the end of the event, everyone was dancing up a storm.  Everyone but me that is.  I was dead tired.  Once I helped get the dancing started, I decided to sit back and take satisfaction in a job well done.  Marla teased me of course.  "Rick, get out here and dance with me!"

"Marla, I am tired tired tired from yesterday.  Besides, the men are lining up to dance with you.  Go make them happy." 

Which was true.  Recognizing the glow in Marla's smile, men who were normally too shy to ask Marla to dance decided to take advantage of her good mood.  My friend Paul, the man who had loaned me his shoes, had come over to ask Marla to dance.  Consequently I was alone.  This was my chance to go hide somewhere.  Typically when I sit alone, I become a target for any lady who wants to dance to a particular song.  Normally I have no problem with that and I am happy to oblige.  But not tonight.  I was dog-tired.

Besides, I wanted to indulge my fantasies of the bygone era.  The music of the orchestra plus the beautiful dance murals put me in the mood to sit back and visualize what it must have been to dance during the glamorous Big Band Era.  Worried that some lady might ask me to dance and spoil my reverie, I needed to disappear.  As a way to avoid any awkwardness, I retreated to a seat where I would be hard to spot.  I spotted an attractive couple way in the back.   The man was handsome and the woman was so lovely she might have been a model.  Pegging them in their early 30s, I was nearly twice as old at age 54.  Slipping into an empty seat, the couple was so deeply engrossed in conversation I doubted they even knew I was there.  Ah, peace and quiet!  This was my chance to sip champagne in peace, watch my beautiful wife dance with Paul and bask in the glow of a job well done. 

However, my reverie was suddenly disturbed when the couple in front began to argue.  They were so loud, I could not help but overhear their conversation.  I could tell they weren't married.  There were no wedding rings, but even more telling was their lack of rapport.  The way they spoke, I got the impression they were new to this relationship.  This trip was probably a test of sorts.  So what was wrong?  The woman was unhappy because the man refused to dance with her. 

The lady said, "Frank, I'm tired of sitting.  I want to dance.  Let's get out there and dance!"

Seeing Frank's face go white, I could tell he was intimidated by her demand.  Frank replied, "I'm sorry, Marilyn, but I don't know how to partner dance."

Marilyn frowned.  "So what?  Just get out in the middle of the crowd.  That way no one will notice."

"There's no way I'm getting out there.  I don't want you or anyone else comparing me to men who know what they are doing."

Marilyn said, "Don't be silly.  There must be thirty men out there, maybe more.  Why are you the only man in this room who isn't dancing!?"

Ouch!  My heart went out Frank.  What an insult.  Embarrassed by Marilyn's put-down, Frank squirmed in his seat.  Setting down his drink, he waved his hand around the room.  Pointing at all the men who sitting down, Frank exclaimed, "If you look, there are more guys sitting than dancing." 

Frank was right.  Although 30 men were dancing, 70-80 men were sitting.  To Marilyn, it just seemed like all the men were dancing.  Marilyn retorted, "Yeah, but most of the guys who are sitting are so ancient they had to use walkers and canes just to get in here.  The men on the floor are the same age as you.  So now what's your excuse?  Come on, get up and dance with me."

Frank was very uncomfortable.  Behind too much champagne, his girlfriend had become way too aggressive for his taste.  He clearly did not appreciate being badgered.  "Marilyn, I don't know what is going on.  This is weird.  This is my third cruise.  I've never seen this before.  Normally there's like one or two couples out there.  I've never seen so many people dance like that."

"Well, it can't be that hard if every man in the room knows how!"

Watching Frank flinch in horror, I felt sorry for the guy.  Who could blame him?  What man wouldn't cringe at this woman's criticism?  Given his looks and physique, Frank was accustomed to praise.  But no such luck with a dance floor.  Angered at having his manhood called into question, Frank worked hard to hold his temper.  "Marilyn, I don't want to look foolish."

Marilyn was having none of it.  "Look, Frank, just get up there and try to copy them!  Or fake it.  That's what I do.  If a guy asks me to dance, I get up and give a try.  Don't be such a sissy."

"Hey, babe, all you have to do is follow.  There is no way I can figure out on short notice what those man are doing.  I don't know what their secret is, but I bet those men took lessons."

"Don't be ridiculous.  Are you saying that every one of those men took dance lessons?  I don't think so!  If all those guys can do it, it can't be that tough."

Frank was exasperated.  Flustered by Marilyn's harassment, he shook his head in consternation.  Looking for reassurance, Frank chugged his drink.  After a pause, he said, "How many times do I have to say this?  I don't know why there are so many good dancers, but I don't want to be embarrassed."

"But I want to dance!"

Tired of being put on the spot, Frank replied, "If you want to dance that bad, then just go ask one of them!"

"How's that gonna work?  All the men are taken!"

To my surprise, Frank stuck his thumb over his shoulder and pointed me.  "What about this guy behind us?  Why don't you ask him?"

It was the way he said it that irritated me.  There was scorn in his voice.  If he had made eye contact and shown respect, that would have been one thing.  But the way Frank spoke suggested he thought I was just as decrepit as the other men who were not dancing.  Furthermore he spoke as if I was too deaf to hear what he said.  Frank probably expected me to say no and bolster his case.  But you know what?  It's sort of like Vegas.  When you're having a bad night, sometimes the smart thing is to know when to fold them.  It was Frank's bad luck to unknowingly point to the best dancer in the room. 

Previously unaware of my presence, Marilyn turned to check me out.  Curious to see where this was going, I made sure to smile.  Previously I had been on Frank's side.  But now I was in an evil mood.  Well, maybe not 'evil' per se.  Maybe a better word would be 'perverse'.  Frank needed to be taught a lesson.

Feeling defiant, Marilyn put down her glass so hard that half the champagne spilled out.  "So you don't care if I ask that man to dance?"

"Heck, no.  If you want to dance that bad, go ahead and ask him." 

"Okay, Frank, I think I will!"  Marilyn turned and looked at me.  "Hey, mister, you wanna dance?"

Poor Frank.  It was cruel, but I couldn't help myself.  Pretending to be surprised, I pointed to myself.  "Me?  Do you want to dance with me?"

"Sure, mister.  Do you know how to dance?"

Frowning, I said, "I guess we can give it a try.  But the song's almost over, so let's wait.  Besides, I see a waiter and I need a drink for courage. "

Seeing me hesitate, Frank made the mistake of looking smug.  Like I say, when you're having a bad day, cut your losses.  Beckoning to the nearby waiter, he approached with a tray filled with wine, champagne, and rum cocktails.  Marilyn stood up and grabbed two drinks.  She downed one on the spot and saved the other one for later.  Satisfied and raring to go, she grabbed me and hauled me to the floor.  A new song came on as we arrived.

It was "The Way You Look Tonight", a Foxtrot.  Marilyn was so unsteady I had to hold her up.  Fortunately, she was so petite it didn't matter.  The nice thing about Formal Dancing is that once I put my arm around a woman's back, I have a great deal of control.  I half-danced, half-carried Marilyn around the floor.  Purring with content, Marilyn gave me permission to guide her wherever I pleased.  The vixen actually had the nerve to rub it in by waving at Frank. 

Seeing how perplexed Frank was, I began to feel guilty for playing a mean trick on him.  Seeing his pained expression, I could read his mind.  "Who is that guy?  He's twice my age!"

Frank was having a bad night.  His girlfriend might be a knockout, but she was also a serious pain in the ass.  But then so was he.  I doubted they had a future together.  When the song ended, I escorted Marilyn back to her seat.  She didn't waste a second.  "Were you watching, Frank?  Even this guy can dance!  Like I said, every man on this ship but you knows how to dance!"

As Frank looked for a hole to disappear into, a painful memory came back.  Long ago and far away, I once lost a girl named Katie to a dance instructor at a Ballroom party similar to tonight.  I was a beginner dancer and the man had used his skill to lure her away.  So I knew how much it stung to listen to Marilyn carp at him.  On the other hand, maybe it was for the best.  Frank was seeing a side to Marilyn he needed to see.  Deciding this was a good time to disengage, I thanked Marilyn, nodded to Frank and hustled back to Marla. 

"What was that all about?" Marla asked.  She laughed when I told her the story.  "Are you going to tell Frank later what was going on?"

"Yes, if I see him and Marilyn isn't around, I will pull him aside."

Marla was sitting with Lorraine, one of the ladies from our group.  Pointing to the murals, Lorraine said, "I told Marla this is the most beautiful dance room I have ever seen.  It makes me sad that the days of fancy night clubs and dancing to live Big Band music is a thing of the past.  I really like this music and this style of dancing."

Turning to Marla, Lorraine continued.  "I am so glad you did this trip.  This is my first cruise and I am so glad I came.  Having the orchestra and seeing everyone dressed up is quite a treat.  This is the most special room I have ever danced in.  The dance murals reveal how sophisticated the Big Band Era must have been.  I wonder why this type of dancing disappeared."

At this point, I looked up to see an attractive young woman approaching.  I recognized her from earlier in the evening.  She was one of the ship's officers who greeted us as we entered the room.  I had shaken her hand as we passed the long line of passengers waiting to be photographed with the Captain. 

"Hi, I'm Julie.  I am special assistant to the Captain."  Looking more at Marla than me, she continued.  "Are you the people responsible for this group of dancers here tonight?"

Marla and I looked at each other.  Unsure who should respond, I nodded to Marla.  This was her night.  "Yes, Julie, this is our group.  I am Marla Archer and this is my husband Rick.  We organized this group at our dance studio in Houston.  How did you know this group belongs to us?"

Julie smiled.  "Your group of dancers is amazing.  I have never seen anything like this on any of my trips.  Curious, I cornered two dancers who pointed you out.  They told me you got married on our ship yesterday.  Is that true?"

Rolling her eyes at the vivid memory of our disastrous Oops Wedding, Marla replied, "Yes, that is correct."

"In that case, congratulations are definitely in order."

We smiled at the gesture.

"Listen, the reason I came over here is to invite you to have dinner with the Captain on Wednesday.  He would very much like to meet you both.  Would that be a possibility??"

Marla was thrilled.  "Wow!  What an honor!  And what a surprise!  Of course!" 

"To what do we owe this honor, Julie?" I asked.

"The Captain makes a point to have dinner with some of the couples on every trip.  It is my job to pick the guests, so I pointed you out to him.  When I told him you were also responsible for all these great dancers, he insisted on meeting you.  I'll be in touch!"

Julie was about to leave, but then she stopped and turned back to Marla.  "Marla, could I speak with you in private for a moment?"

Julie took Marla over in a corner for a brief chat.  Seeing the two ladies giggle, I could not imagine what they were talking about.  When Marla returned, I wasted no time.

"Okay, spill.  What was that all about?"

"Oh, no big deal.  She just asked if I minded wearing a dress.  I assured her I had the perfect dress for the occasion.  I can't believe we are going to meet the Captain!  This is such an honor!  Come on, Rick, let's dance!  I am too excited to sit still." 

After the song was over, I saw Frank and Marilyn stand up.  Realizing they were getting ready to go, I asked Marla to accompany me. 

"Frank and Marilyn, I would like you to meet my wife Marla.  I owe you an apology, Frank, I played a dirty trick on you.  Marla and I own the largest dance studio in Houston.  These people you see dancing are all our students."

Seeing the dumb-founded look on both their faces, I briefly explained what was going on out on the dance floor.  Then I nodded to Marilyn.  I wanted to tell her she owed Frank an apology, but decided I had said enough.  Marla and I smiled, then excused ourselves.

Marla wasted no time.  "What a night.  Champagne, music, dancing, lots of compliments and well-wishers.  Plus an invitation to meet the Captain.  Never a dull moment in the life of two dance instructors on a honeymoon."

I nodded.  "You can say that again."